Among the Northern Rhône’s fastest-rising stars, Johann Michel must be counted among the top in Cornas - Vinous
We discovered these beautifully perfumed and fresh, clean, fruity and spicy shiraz Rhones earlier this year. They are a revelation. So great and also such great value. They are in short supply, and I can't wait to taste more in coming weeks! Cheers, Randall.
Johann discovered his passion for wine whilst tasting older vintages with both his grandfather, and uncle, the esteemed Cornas winemaker Robert Michel. His first vintage of his own label Cornas debuted in 1997. The Domaine now extends to a modest 5 hectares, split across 15 parcels, including the prized Cornas lieux-dits: Bayonnet, Les Côtes, Le Combes, Chaillots, and Saveaux. In addition to a straight, mostly-destemmed Cornas, Michel produces a fascinating and delicious St Peray (1ha) from equal parts Marsanne and Roussanne - a fun, textural experience great on its own but even better with food.
In particularly good years a Cornas cuvee “Mère Michel” (produced exclusively from Serine clones in new oak) are produced, and we were lucky enough to receive this rare and tiny allocation below. All the vineyards are farmed responsibly with a wide range of organic treatments. In the cellar, a traditional preference for large format old oak produces wines which smoulder and crackle with the best of them. Total annual production amounts only to 1,600 cases per year.
2023 Saint-Peray
"Produced from mix-planted Marsanne and Roussanne, the 2023 Saint-Péray has a delicately perfumed bouquet of white flowers, pear and white peach mingled with almonds notes. Medium-bodied, enrobing and juicy, it's fresh and delicate with an enveloping texture and a lively, saline finish. Matured entirely in stainless steel, it can age gracefully." 92Pts. - Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate
2023 Saint-Joseph Rouge (Rare)
Limited to around 700 bottles(!) from 0.37ha and vines averaging 25yo.
100% destemmed with malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and aging on the lees for 12-18 months in barrels (2 to 4 year old barrels). The result is simultaneously powerful and svelte, offering aromas of crushed dark berries, black olive, black pepper, ripe cherry and smoky bacon. On the palate there is a harmonious interplay of spices and deep, rustic earth material. While already approachable, this offers the depth and complexity associated only with fine wines of certain calibre.
100% destemmed with malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and aging on the lees for 12-18 months in barrels (2 to 4 year old barrels). The result is simultaneously powerful and svelte, offering aromas of crushed dark berries, black olive, black pepper, ripe cherry and smoky bacon. On the palate there is a harmonious interplay of spices and deep, rustic earth material. While already approachable, this offers the depth and complexity associated only with fine wines of certain calibre.
2023 Cornas
"Vivid purple-hued, the 2023 Cornas offers notes of black cherries, plums, graphite, liquid violet, and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied, has a concentrated, focused mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. It's a beautiful, ultra-classic, mineral-laced Cornas that needs 3-5 years to hit prime time and will cruise over the following 10-15 years." 93Pts. - Jeb Dunnuck
2023 Cornas 'Mère Michel'
"Brilliant blackberries, cassis, graphite, charred meats, and liquid rock-like minerality emerge from the 2023 Cornas Mère Michel, along with peppery, roasted herb nuances that show as it sits in the glass. Vinified with 100% whole clusters and from the Les Côtes lieu-dit, it's medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, has fine, polished tannins, stunning purity, perfect balance, and incredible length. It doesn't quite have the elegance of the Jana release but brings more overt power and structure, placing it among the crème de la crème of the vintage. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades." 96Pts. - Jeb Dunnuck
